Van Hollen, Cardin Vote for Federal Funding to Support Local Fire Departments, Sending Legislation to President Biden

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) voted to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, bipartisan legislation to support local fire stations by providing federal funding for departments to purchase essential equipment, hire more frontline firefighters, develop training and education programs, and more. Specifically, the legislation reauthorizes funding for the U.S. Fire Administration along with the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs through Fiscal Year 2028. These programs would have lapsed in September 2024 if Congress had not taken this action. Since 2015, Senators Van Hollen and Cardin have delivered nearly $170 million from these programs to support the needs of local fire departments and agencies across Maryland. Having passed the House last month, the Fire Grants and Safety Act now advances to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

“Our firefighters never hesitate to spring into action when duty calls, which is why we need to back them up with action of our own. We fought to renew funding for the AFG and SAFER programs so local fire departments throughout Maryland can continue to count on our support to help ensure they have the staff, tools, and skills to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighters and first responders deliver life-saving services in all types of emergencies, but too often Maryland fire departments struggle to have an adequate budget that supports the community’s need,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding will better equip local departments throughout Maryland to provide a full scale of emergency services, and I’m proud to vote to pass this legislation to extend and strengthen these critical public safety initiatives.”

The Fire Grants and Safety Act maintains the authorized funding for the SAFER and AFG programs at their current levels through FY 2028, while increasing the authorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (headquartered in Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland) by nearly $20 million. This legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, National Fire Protection Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, International Fire Marshals Association, Congressional Fire Services Institute, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, International Society of Fire Service Instructors, and Women in Fire, among others.

Senator Van Hollen, joined by Senator Cardin, also introduced legislation last year to provide additional federal resources for local fire companies to modernize their stations. The lawmakers will continue working to pass their bipartisan FIRE STATION Act which would create a new $750 million grant program to help modify, upgrade, and construct fire and EMS department facilities.

Highlights of AFG and SAFER grant awards for Maryland fire departments delivered over the past two years:

Frederick County and Western Maryland:

• $8,565,688.64 for Frederick County to hire 32 full-time firefighters
• $9,732,102.08 for Frederick County to hire an additional 32 full-time firefighters
• $1,927,818.18 for Washington County to provide new portable radios for Fire & EMS departments across the County
• $428,571.42 for the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co. in Garrett County to replace a 40-year-old tanker
• $218,477.04 for Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. in Washington County to purchase 51 sets of turn out gear
• $97,142.85 for Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Allegany County for vehicle extrication and rescue tools
• $17,388 for the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District No. 12 in Washington County for new gear washer and dryer

Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

• $720,000 for the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association to support its high school cadet training program and its tuition assistance firefighter retention program
• $458,400 for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute at the University of Maryland College Park for the State Training Academy 
• $339,260 for the College Park Volunteer Fire Department for recruitment & retention activities

Greater Baltimore Region

• $797,227.27 for the Carroll County Department of Fire and Emergency Services for portable and mobile radios
• $597,900.90 for the Baltimore City Fire Department
• $1,080,909.09 for the Baltimore County Fire Department to provide comprehensive cancer screenings and mental wellness training for first responders
• $389,480 for the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company in Howard County for firefighter recruitment and retention activities

Eastern Shore Region

• $399,371.42 for the Berlin Fire Company in Worcester County to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and modernize the air refill station for the SCBA tanks
• $206,533 for the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company in Somerset County to purchase 16 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to replace units that are outdated and no longer compliant with NFPA standards and to replace its Air Cascade Refill station
• $201,800 for the Oxford Fire Department in Talbot County to purchase 22 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to replace units that are outdated and no longer compliant with NFPA standards and to replace its Air Cascade Refill station and 2 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) kits
• $117,323.80 for Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department in Kent County to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• $49,936.19 for the Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of Chesapeake City in Cecil County to replace fire hoses
• $46,666.66 for the Eldorado Brookview Volunteer Fire Department in Dorchester County to install a new cascade air station
• $178,285.71 for the Community Fire Company of Millington in Kent County to replace SCBA

Southern Maryland

• $177,857.14 for the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and Auxiliary in Charles County to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• $176,666.66 for the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Charles County to replace SCBA
• $75,736 for the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in St. Mary’s County for new vehicle extrication tools